Sam Alone? Sounds like a mix between Sam Sparro and Tom Malone (the trombone and tenor saxophone player of The Blues Brothers). The biggest musical and vocal line that can be drawn is one that leads to Bruce Springsteen. Even the album’s title, ‘Tougher Than Leather’, reminds me of The Boss’ ‘Tougher Than The Rest’. Let it be known that Bruce Springsteen is my biggest hero in music, so I will and shall have to be sceptic. But even a poor man’s Springsteen can be interesting, and I say that without any disrespect. Free your mind, open your ears. That’s how Keys and Chords rolls. Excellent band name, too, ‘The Gravediggers’.‘Gardens of Death’ is an immediate highlight. Rousing, rocking, rolling, infectious rhythms. Well done, lads! ‘Coffins and Dog Tags’ is Foo Fighters-esque (with powerful Dave Grohl-inspired vocals), but the song title brings Stan Ridgway’s ‘Camouflage’ to mind. ‘Shine’ has a lovely melody and refrain, and is one of the best tracks on the album. The guitar strumming in ‘God’s Not Around’ is reminiscent of Fleet Foxes/Mumford And Sons, but Alone makes the song his own. ‘Gifted’ may be the best way to describe Sam Alone. He’s clearly gifted. Good stuff. I was quite surprised to find out the origins of the band: Portugal, no less. Their English is perfect.